When interacting with a person displaying variant behavior, officers should be ______.

When interacting with a person displaying variant behavior, a non-confrontational approach is essential for several reasons. Firstly, individuals exhibiting unusual behavior may be experiencing mental health issues, stress, or extreme emotional distress. A non-confrontational stance helps to de-escalate potentially volatile situations and encourages communication rather than defensiveness.

Approaching someone in a calm and non-threatening manner allows officers to build rapport, which is crucial in assessing the individual's needs and determining the best course of action. This approach also minimizes the risk of confrontation and aggression, which can lead to further complications, both for the individual and the officer involved.

In addition, a non-confrontational technique aligns with the principles of community policing and crisis intervention, where understanding and cooperation are prioritized over authority and control. This strategy ultimately serves the best interests of public safety, as it allows for a more constructive interaction that may lead to positive outcomes for both the officer and the individual involved.